Mass. teen on trial for rape, murder of math teacher refuses to enter courtroom: ‘He’s about to explode’

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS|

Nov 17, 2015 | 6:42 PM

Peggie Ritzer said her daughter had a routine and came home every day at 3:30 p.m. The family became worried when she didn't show.

SALEM, Mass. — The murder trial of a teenager charged with killing his math teacher ended early Tuesday when he told his lawyer he was "about to explode" and refused to go back into the courtroom.

Denise Regan, a lawyer for 16-year-old Philip Chism, told the Salem Superior Court judge that her client was shaking, twitching and mumbling and told her "he's about to explode and ... doesn't want to hurt anyone."

Witnesses were describing some of the blood-stained evidence in the case at the time.

The judge at first called a recess, then ended proceedings about an hour earlier than scheduled after trying unsuccessfully to speak to Chism himself. He then called for a psychological evaluation.

Chism, who had moved to Massachusetts from Clarksville, Tennessee, shortly before starting high school, has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the October 2013 slaying of 24-year-old Danvers High School teacher Colleen Ritzer. Chism was 14 at the time.

Philip Chism, right, refused to enter the courtroom Tuesday during his trial, forcing the judge to end the session early for the day. (Ken Yuszkus/AP)